Swanand Kirkire and Shekhar Ravjiani Announce Debut Independent Album Maati
Lyricist, singer, actor, and writer Swanand Kirkire has teamed up with composer and musician Shekhar Ravjiani for their first joint independent music album, titled Maati. The six-track collection centers on themes of romance, nostalgia, and personal emotion, combining Kirkire’s lyrics and vocals with Ravjiani’s compositions. The debut track from the project, titled ‘Piyarva’, is slated for release on August 28 under Shekhar’s label, Garuda Music.
What Happened
The concept for Maati originated approximately 12 years ago during a casual conversation between Kirkire and Ravjiani at a coffee shop following a studio session on a rainy afternoon. The duo sought to build something separate from their routine professional assignments, creating music without commercial constraints or external expectations.
Over the past decade, the songs gradually evolved within the independent music realm. The artists framed the conceptual framework of the album around the idea of rainfall, viewing each of the six songs as a ‘Boond’ (raindrop) that unites to complete the broader work. In ‘Piyarva’, both Kirkire and Ravjiani perform vocals together, marking the first instance of the duo singing together on an independent release.
Key Highlights
- First Independent Venture: Maati marks the debut independent album collaboration between Swanand Kirkire and Shekhar Ravjiani.
- Six-Track Collection: The album contains six songs that examine themes of romance and nostalgia, framed conceptually as individual drops (‘Boond’) forming a complete body of work.
- Twelve-Year Journey: The foundational ideas and opening single date back nearly 12 years to a rainy afternoon discussion following studio recording work.
- First Track Details: The lead single, ‘Piyarva’, releases on August 28 and features both artists sharing vocal duties.
- Release Banner: The project is being brought out through Shekhar Ravjiani’s music platform, Garuda Music.
Why This Matters
The collaboration highlights a shift for both established industry figures into the non-film, independent music space. While both artists have extensive careers within mainstream Indian cinema, this project allowed them to complete and release music developed entirely outside conventional commercial briefs. According to Kirkire, the songs developed gradually over an extended timeframe, maturing before finding an official platform through Garuda Music.
What to Watch Next
Audiences can look forward to the official rollout of the lead single ‘Piyarva’ on August 28. Following the debut track, the remaining individual ‘Boond’ tracks comprising the six-song collection of Maati are slated to follow through Garuda Music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the new album by Swanand Kirkire and Shekhar Ravjiani?
The independent music album is titled Maati.
When will the first song from Maati be released?
The initial track, ‘Piyarva’, is scheduled to debut on August 28.
How many songs are included in the album Maati?
The collection consists of six tracks, each conceptually described by the creators as a ‘Boond’ or raindrop.
Which label is releasing the album?
The album is being released through Shekhar Ravjiani’s platform, Garuda Music.
Source: Bollywood Hungama